Sonowal to pitch India's shipbuilding potential to South Korean industry

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday began a four-day visit to South Korea to strengthen maritime cooperation and attract partnerships with Korean industry.

Sonowal began his visit in Busan, a major hub of South Korea's maritime industry, where he interacted with Indian professionals working in the country's shipbuilding sector.

The visit comes as India and South Korea seek to deepen cooperation in shipbuilding, shipping, ports and maritime logistics under the VOYAGES framework adopted in April during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India.

"I want you to see VOYAGES not merely as a government framework, but as a platform for your professional growth and for India's maritime future," Sonowal said while addressing Indian professionals working with companies such as Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai, DNV and the Indian Register of Shipping.

India's Ambassador to South Korea, Gourangalal Das, welcomed the gathering and introduced the Indian professional community.

"Your presence in Korea, at the heart of one of the world's most advanced shipbuilding ecosystems, is a matter of pride for India," Sonowal said.

He urged the professionals to use their experience and networks in South Korea to support the development of India's maritime industry.

"You can serve as living bridges between your networks in both countries," he said.

Sonowal said India was working to emerge as a globally competitive centre for shipbuilding, ship repair, maritime manufacturing and logistics under the government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

The Union Cabinet approved a series of policy incentives for the sector in September 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

The minister said India would need more shipbuilders, marine engineers, naval architects, designers, welders, project managers and technology specialists to achieve its maritime ambitions.

He encouraged Indian professionals in South Korea to bring their expertise back to India or support Indian companies while continuing to work there.

He also called on them to mentor young Indian professionals and participate in the India Ship Technology Centre and the shipbuilding skills partnership between India and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

Sonowal sought suggestions from the professionals on improving shipyard productivity and project execution, developing a globally competitive skilled workforce, and expanding cooperation between Indian and Korean industries in technology, manufacturing and innovation.

"We are looking for partnership with Korea in shipbuilding, shipping, ports and maritime logistics," he said.

During the visit, Sonowal is scheduled to meet leaders of global shipbuilding companies and engage with maritime industry bodies, think tanks and research institutions.

He will also participate in a ministerial roundtable in Busan to mark World Maritime Day, which is expected to bring together representatives from major maritime nations and the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).